End of an Era, "commercial" VMWs discontinued!

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I went back and watch the video. I can't find any discrepancies for the main points vs. what other reputable reviewers have stated. This video goes into the history more than the other reviews I've watched.

In regard to new top load washers sold TODAY. You only have a few good choices: Maytag mvwp575gw or mvwp576kw (get the 575gw model for more warranty), Speed Queen TC5, budget Amana with the dual action agitator, or possibly the GE Commercial. That's it. These washers have cycles that use tap hot, enough water, and have the better wash action.

The Maytag mvwp575gw "commercial residential" has many upgraded parts that are better made when compared to the Maytag (and other vmw) "commercial technology" models also sold to residential customers. Many other reviewers have pointed this out. Period. In my opinion, the vmw design keeps this from being a true commercial washer. It was designed to be easier to repair (and it is--I have no special training, but I can see that!), the gearcase will be the part that mostly likely causes consumers like me with DIY skills to replace it and the weakest point I can see with this washer. Because it uses a gearcase instead of a real transmission, I do think there are a couple of inexpensive but easy to replace parts that the consumer will have to replace before replacing the actual gearcase. These parts are why the tub and agitator can move in different directions. It's possible even I could replace the gearcase considering the cost of the part to the consumer and skills needed. I'm being honest in that I'd opt for new washer that was an option vs replacing a gearcase. I've had no issues with balancing loads. Wash like items with like items. If you want to wash something like a small pet bed, be sure to balance it with something of equal size weight like a towel--I do monitor these cycles more closely.

Get the Maytag mvwp575gw model if you want the 5-yr warranty, which is often (ironically) sold for less at independently owned local appliance stores rather than the mvwp576kw model that sells at big box stores that has a 1-yr parts/labor warranty.

I expect to get 8 to 10 years of life out of this MT575 washer when used correctly. This is definitely a lot less than the 20 to 30 (or more!) years somone could get out of the real Maytags that are no longer sold.

The only other better built top load washer would be the Speed Queen TC5, which has a real transmission backed by a 15-year parts only warranty. Because it has a real transmission, I expect it to work longer without periodic repairs (those plastic parts that enable vmw models to have an agitator and tub that can move in different directions). The suspension design is better. Four heavy duty springs secure the tub to the base vs. 4 rods. It has more options when it comes to washing smaller loads. You still should use common sense and try to balance those odd loads. Other than a belt or board, there is not a whole lot of repairs I could do myself on this washer, and I won't even attempt to replace the bearings. This is good!

SQ has another model, LWN, that would probably work the best in a commercial settings but the TC5 design should hold up better than a vwm.

Most reliable unbiased sources state this SQ TC5 washer will probably last about 12 to 15 years. The bearings will be a common reason people end up replacing the machine. With that said, I will definitely consider paying someone to replace the bearings if I can no longer get a similar machine.

The price difference when sold at NORMAL price can be justified to pay more for the Speed Queen TC5 over the appliance's expected life especially if you have to have some repair the appliances for you. But it really comes down to how often you want to replace a machine as the MT doesn't cost as much as the SQ either not to mention this is good to keep stuff out of the landfill. For some people who have a limited budget, the other models will work well just for a shorter time :-)

All models may have a longer life if the person has the knowledge and tools to repair the appliance and can get the parts at cost.

This was an unpaid and unbiased endorsement for both products :-)
 
speed queen perfect wash models

So what will speed queen do with the perfect wash models? I believe they make both the classic clean and perfect wash models for those who want choices on how they get their laundry done. If worse comes to worse, I would have no issue with the perfect wash system.
 
VMW platform

I have no idea what's planned for the commercial models after this but it doesn't look like the VMW platform is ending as a whole. The Amana NTW4519JW model referenced above looks like just an updated version of the Amana NTW4516FW. More or less the same cycles and options, still a dual-action agitator but with a stainless steel tub instead of porcelain and slightly more capacity. Although, the jury is still out on the capacity thing. Amana's US website says it has a 3.8 cu. ft. capacity, while appliance stores from Canada, where this model has been available for a while, put it at 4.4 cu. ft. I wonder why the difference.
 
Canadian standards just measure volume/size differently, they're the same machine. Same with the old tv's. In Canada a tv screen/tube would be measured including the unseen area behind the mask whereas in the US it was measured solely on the viewing area.. ergo a 19" US set was a 20" set in Canada.. My LG front load capacity is advertised with a smaller capacity than the identical US model
 
gentle on clothes

I don't understand why machines are becoming more and more gentle on clothes. I don't have any delicates, so why is this happening? The last time I checked, there's a gentle/delicates/knits cycle. I want my clothes "beaten" clean.
 
Cubic foot capacity of new top load washers

Are pretty meaningless because few of them fill the tub more than half full. If not just a quarter or an eighth full.

Yes, some machines have a cycle where you can fill the machine all the way up but that’s not typically how they’re used. Cubic foot capacity on frontload machines is a good way to compare them as you can typically fill the front loading machine completely and get things clean without damaging them.

New machines are generally not that delicate on clothing impeller type machines are actually quite hard on clothing.

John.
 
Impeller type machines

Yes the harshness on clothes and the super low water usage resulting in reduced capacity is why I don't like impeller machines. Not that I think washers need a ton of water to clean -- front loaders don't but top loaders really do and that's why HE TL's fall on their faces often. I can fill my Whirlpool DD pretty full, not packed in but definitely loaded to capacity, and so far haven't suffered any clothing damage. I imagine I could get about half as much in an impeller washer, so John is right on that for sure.
 
mvwp585gw...

The lack of smaller load options with water temperature control was the biggest con. Looks like they have fixed it! I def would prefer this over the GE Commercial unless they've changed something between how the 575 and 585 works.

I ended up getting around the Normal Eco cycle by using a Y-hose and Dramm shut-off valve on the cold to get a real hot and warm. Works, but requires more user interaction. The wash action is too rough for delicates and the wash time is not long enough for whites on its own but a manual presoak can make the cycle work even for that. User assumes all liabilities and risks of using a modified setup. I turn my washer OFF and unplug after each use and use a surge protector while in use.

It's still a vmw. It seems like the gearcase is the weakest point there. It could be repaired at a reasonable cost based on price of part for someone who can do it themselves. I'm not sure if *I* would try that or not. But really. Just don't overload the washer and use it correctly in every way. I've had no issues with mine, which has been used heavily for a kid/pet/workout/work friendly family--so we've tried it with all types of loads. The other parts that allow the tub and agitator turn separate are easy to replace and not expensive.

Can't beat the clean of that dual action agitator!

Oh, how I wish I could replace the board on mine and add a switch. It probably involves replacing the whole console and everything that plugs into it. Still I am interested! Maybe someone here can help me figure that out?

LOL. Maytag ought to let me try this out. I've been their biggest unpaid endorser LOL. I'm only biased because I know it just works. It looks like the price difference between SQ TC and this MT is around $500 now going by MSRP? True this won't last as long, but you don't pay as much for it either. It's definitely the best top load washer in that price range plus the price includes a parts and labor warranty!

For me, this means that parts will continue to be available. :-)
 
Dual Action vs. Straight Vane

I think you will get a little better wash action with the dual action agitator as it is very effective in moving clothes and even larger items down, in, and through the water. I can see the difference when washing a quilt in my Maytag vs. TC5 (but I still feel it gets clean in this washer too). Some will prefer the straight vane for commercial settings and maybe even home use. The tiny and inexpensive parts that cause the top and bottom agitator to move in different directions will require more frequent replacement in an environment where people are more likely to overload. I've not had to replace mine in 4.5 years of use.
 
I wonder if any changes were made to the companion dryer. The only thing needed to be added is a signal or wrinkle guard on/off ability. That alone prevented me from getting that dryer when I had to replace my old Dependable Care dryer summer 2021.
 
MVWP575GW vs. 585GW

Could someone explain to me the main differences between the two washers? Unfortunately, my computer screen reader won't describe the picture above as it's just a graphic, and I can't find text documentation for the newer model online.

Ryne
 
Ryne

For the new washer:

Water levels are low, medium, high and deep wash. Cycles are bulky towels, powerwash, delicates, mixed, normal eco, rinse and spin, drain and spin. Temperatures are tap cold, cold, cool, warm, hot. The final of the four rotary knobs is presoak and extra rinse, presoak, extra rinse and off (no options).
 
 
Ryne,

There are four knobs on the panel instead of three that the previous machine had.

A water level selector is added with choices of Deep Water, High, Med, and Low.

All cycles apparently follow the water level selector.  None are indicated as hard-coded as previously for only a deep fill or a partial fill.  Choices are Bulky/Towels, Powerwash, Delicates, Mixed, Normal Eco, Rinse & Spin, Drain & Spin.

Wash Temperature choices of Tap Cold, Cold, Cool, Warm, and Hot.

Options knob with choices of Off, Presoak, Extra Rinse, or Presoak and Extra Rinse.
 

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